Eva Alisic1, Anna Barrett2, Peter Bowles3, Rowena Conroy4, Matthias R Mehl5. 1. Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, eva.alisic@monash.edu. 2. Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University. 3. Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne. 4. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Psychology Service, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, and. 5. Department of Psychology, University of Arizona.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel, naturalistic observational methodology (the Electronically Activated Recorder; EAR) as an opportunity to better understand the central role of the family environment in children's recovery from trauma. METHODS: Discussion of current research methods and a systematic literature review of EAR studies on health and well-being. RESULTS: Surveys, experience sampling, and the EAR method each provide different opportunities and challenges for studying family interactions. We identified 17 articles describing relevant EAR studies. These investigated questions of emotional well-being, communicative behaviors, and interpersonal relationships, predominantly in adults. 5 articles reported innovative research in children, triangulating EAR-observed behavioral data (e.g., on child conflict at home) with neuroendocrine assay, sociodemographic information, and parent report. Finally, we discussed psychometric, practical, and ethical considerations for conducting EAR research with children and families. CONCLUSIONS: Naturalistic observation methods such as the EAR have potential for pediatric psychology studies regarding trauma and the family environment.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel, naturalistic observational methodology (the Electronically Activated Recorder; EAR) as an opportunity to better understand the central role of the family environment in children's recovery from trauma. METHODS: Discussion of current research methods and a systematic literature review of EAR studies on health and well-being. RESULTS: Surveys, experience sampling, and the EAR method each provide different opportunities and challenges for studying family interactions. We identified 17 articles describing relevant EAR studies. These investigated questions of emotional well-being, communicative behaviors, and interpersonal relationships, predominantly in adults. 5 articles reported innovative research in children, triangulating EAR-observed behavioral data (e.g., on child conflict at home) with neuroendocrine assay, sociodemographic information, and parent report. Finally, we discussed psychometric, practical, and ethical considerations for conducting EAR research with children and families. CONCLUSIONS: Naturalistic observation methods such as the EAR have potential for pediatric psychology studies regarding trauma and the family environment.
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